Custom Glass invests in Hegla machinery

  • Posted On - 15/03/2022
  • Posted By - Glass Times Web

Custom Glass says that it has gone from ‘strength to strength’ since the installation of a Hegla Optimax cutting table and a fully automated Rapidstore system.

Having steered a path through the pandemic, Custom adds that its team has been able to support its customers by providing consistently high-quality products for large and small installations.

The company handles over 30 different glass types, producing an average of 14,000 IGUs a week and says that demand has increased across both commercial and domestic sectors, but production methods have now been simplified thanks to Hegla.

CAD drawings created by Hegla UK after site visits to the Liverpool based specialist glass manufacturer, allowed production areas to be adapted to better suit product flow across the factory.

For managing director, Jeff Hooson, the investment in Hegla has been worth it, increasing productivity without the need to move any existing equipment around.

Since installation, glass can now be fed automatically from the Rapidstore system to ensure that the cutting machine and toughener are well fed.

With 18 shuttle storage positions and five bulk storage positions, more racks can be added to this modular installation if required. The system is also fitted with an ‘airlock’ loading door, which enables the stock inside the Rapidstore to be re-filled whilst the machine is in full automatic operation.

Larger batch sizes can now be cut more quickly, and a broader product range can be delivered in a considerably shorter timescale. This is helped by the Optimax table that is fitted with a laser marking system, coupled with the high-speed grinding system which is designed to handle all the new coatings.

Jeff commented: “With such a diverse product range it is essential we get things right for customers and we have to achieve this quickly. The Rapidstore allows us to store more specialist glass without downtime.

“Hegla’s carefully planned adjustments have enabled us to create excellent efficiency across all production departments.”